U.S. patent application number 14/022043 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for mobile terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Yongjin CHO, Jaichul KIM, Jaewook LEE, Insu SONG.
Application Number | 20140313746 14/022043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51728858 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140313746 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SONG; Insu ; et al. |
October 23, 2014 |
MOBILE TERMINAL
Abstract
There is disclosed a mobile terminal including a display unit, a
first film having one surface coated with a first adhesive
material, the surface coupled to a back surface of the display unit
by the first adhesive material, and a front case having a second
adhesive material disposed on one surface thereof, the surface
coupled to the other surface of the first film by the second
adhesive material, wherein an adhesive strength of the first
adhesive material is smaller than an adhesive strength of the
second adhesive material, such that the back surface of the mobile
terminal may be attached to the case to prevent the bezel from
increasing.
Inventors: |
SONG; Insu; (Seoul, KR)
; CHO; Yongjin; (Seoul, KR) ; KIM; Jaichul;
(Seoul, KR) ; LEE; Jaewook; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
51728858 |
Appl. No.: |
14/022043 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/362 ;
361/679.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 1/1637 20130101; G02F 1/133308 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/362 ;
361/679.26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; F21V 15/01 20060101 F21V015/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0042286 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal comprising: a display unit; a first film
having one surface coated with a first adhesive material, the
surface coupled to a back surface of the display unit by the first
adhesive material; and a front case having a second adhesive
material disposed on one surface thereof, the surface coupled to
the other surface of the first film by the second adhesive
material, wherein an adhesive strength of the first adhesive
material is smaller than an adhesive strength of the second
adhesive material.
2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first film
comprises, a non-attaching end not attached to the front case by
the second adhesive material.
3. The mobile terminal according to claim 2, wherein the front case
comprises, a hole formed, corresponding to the non-attaching
end.
4. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein the
non-attaching end is a corner of the first film, and the hole is
positioned in a corner of the front case.
5. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein the
non-attaching end comprises a projection projected convexly.
6. The mobile terminal according to claim 5, wherein the
non-attaching end is formed by cutting away a corner of the first
film in a stepped shape.
7. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, wherein an angular
portion of the non-attaching end is rounded.
8. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second
adhesive material is not coated on at least one corner of the front
case and the at least one corner is not attached to the first
film.
9. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a
second film disposed between the front case and the first film to
one surface facing the first film and the other surface facing the
front case, the second film having the one surface coated with a
third adhesive material and the other surface coated with the
second adhesive material.
10. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first
adhesive material coated on the surface of the first film comprises
silicon.
11. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, wherein the third
adhesive material comprises Thrimethylated silica.
12. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first
film comprises one of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene and
Polypropylene.
13. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first
adhesive material of the first film has an adhesive strength within
a range of 3 gf/in to 30 gf/in.
14. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a
window glass coupled to a front surface of the display unit, with
being extended longer than the display unit in a vertical
direction; and a window tape coupled to an extended portion of the
window glass to be attached to the front case.
15. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit is an organic light emitting diode (OLED).
16. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit is bent curvedly, and the front case is bent curvedly,
corresponding to the shape of the display unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a), this application claims
the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean
Application No. 10-2013-0042286, filed on Apr. 17, 2013, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal that is
able to reduce a bezel in an edge portion of a display module
provided therein and to separate a display unit smoothly and
efficiently for repairs.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals
and stationary terminals. In addition, the mobile terminals can be
further classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount
terminals.
[0006] Further, a mobile terminal can perform various functions
such as data and voice communications, capturing images and video
via a camera, recording audio, playing music files and outputting
music via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a
display.
[0007] As functions of a mobile terminal becoming more diverse, a
display unit is an important part of a mobile terminal and mobile
terminals having larger screens have been launched. As such a
display unit is getting larger, there is a disadvantage that the
size of such a mobile terminal is getting larger. Users require a
new design of a mobile terminal having an enlarged display unit
while preventing the increase of the overall size.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile
terminal that is able to reduce a bezel in an edge portion of a
display module provided therein and to separate a display unit
smoothly and efficiently for repairs.
[0009] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0010] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a mobile terminal includes a display
unit; a first film having one surface coated with a first adhesive
material, the surface coupled to a back surface of the display unit
by the first adhesive material; and a front case having a second
adhesive material disposed on one surface thereof, the surface
coupled to the other surface of the first film by the second
adhesive material, wherein an adhesive strength of the first
adhesive material is smaller than an adhesive strength of the
second adhesive material.
[0011] The first film may include a non-attaching end not attached
to the front case by the second adhesive material.
[0012] The front case may include a hole formed, corresponding to
the non-attaching end.
[0013] The non-attaching end may be a corner of the first film0 and
the hole may be positioned in a corner of the front case.
[0014] The non-attaching end may include a projection projected
convexly.
[0015] The non-attaching end may be formed by cutting away a corner
of the first film in a stepped shape.
[0016] An angular portion of the non-attaching end may be
rounded.
[0017] The second adhesive material may not be coated on at least
one corner of the front case and the at least one corner may not be
attached to the first film.
[0018] The mobile terminal may further include a second film to one
surface facing the first film and the other surface facing the
front case, disposed between the front case and the first film, the
second film having the one surface coated with a third adhesive
material and the other surface coated with the second adhesive
material.
[0019] The first adhesive material coated on the surface of the
first film may include silicon.
[0020] The third adhesive material may include Trimethylated
silica.
[0021] The first film may include one of Polyethylene
Terephthalate, Polyethylene and Polypropylene.
[0022] The first adhesive material of the first film may have an
adhesive strength in a range from 3 gf/in to 30 gf/in.
[0023] The mobile terminal may further include a window glass
coupled to a front surface of the display unit, with being extended
longer than the display unit in a vertical direction; and a window
tape coupled to an extended portion of the window glass to be
attached to the front case.
[0024] The display unit may be an organic light emitting diode
(OLED).
[0025] The display unit may be bent curvedly, and the front case
may be bent curvedly, corresponding to the shape of the display
unit.
[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the back surface of
the display unit may be attached to the case, such that the size of
the bezel positioned in an edge portion can be prevented from
increasing.
[0027] Furthermore, the large area of the back surface of the
display unit may be attached to the front case and a predetermined
adhesive strength or more can be recurred. When separating the
display 151 from the front case, the user can apply a predetermined
force to the end of the first film and separate the display unit
easily. Accordingly, the damage to the display unit can be
prevented.
[0028] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the
embodiments are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to
provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of the mobile terminal
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of a display unit
and a front case that are provided in the mobile terminal according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first film
according to one embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a sectional diagram of the display unit coupled to
the front case of the mobile terminal according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a sectional diagram of a display unit coupled to a
front case of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a rear diagram illustrating a first film and a
second film that are disposed on a back surface of the display unit
provided in the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of FIG.
6;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a rear diagram of the front case coupled to a back
surface of the display unit shown in FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a plane diagram illustrating the display unit and
the front case that are separated from the mobile terminal; and
[0039] FIG. 10 is a sectional diagram illustrating a conventional
display unit and a conventional front case.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0040] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and
which show by way of illustration various embodiments.
[0041] As used herein, the suffixes `module`, `unit` and `part` are
used for elements in order to facilitate the disclosure only.
Therefore, significant meanings or roles are not given to the
suffixes themselves and it is understood that the `module`, `unit`
and `part` can be used together or interchangeably.
[0042] The various features described herein may be applicable to a
various types of mobile terminals. Examples of such terminals may
include mobile phones, user equipments, smart phones, digital
broadcast receivers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers,
portable multimedia players (PMP), navigators and the like.
[0043] Yet, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a
configuration according to an embodiment disclosed in this
specification may also be applicable to a fixed terminal such as a
digital TV, a desktop computer and the like as well as a mobile
terminal.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in
accordance with an embodiment as broadly described herein. The
mobile terminal 100 may include a wireless communication unit 110,
an A/V (audio/video) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a
sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface
unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190 and the like.
FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 having various components, but
it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated
components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may
alternatively be implemented.
[0045] In the following description, the above elements of the
mobile terminal 100 are explained in sequence.
[0046] First of all, the wireless communication unit 110 typically
includes one or more components which permits wireless
communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless
communication system or network within which the mobile terminal
100 is located. For instance, the wireless communication unit 110
can include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile
communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a
short-range communication module 114, a position-location module
115 and the like.
[0047] The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast
signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external
broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast
channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.
At least two broadcast receiving modules 111 can be provided to the
mobile terminal 100 in pursuit of simultaneous receptions of at
least two broadcast channels or broadcast channel switching
facilitation.
[0048] The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server
which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast
associated information or a server which is provided with a
previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated
information and then transmits the provided signal or information
to a terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV
broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast
signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further
include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast
signal.
[0049] The broadcast associated information includes information
associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a
broadcast service provider, etc. And, the broadcast associated
information can be provided via a mobile communication network. In
this case, the broadcast associated information can be received by
the mobile communication module 112.
[0050] The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives
wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base
station, external terminal, server, etc.) via a mobile network such
as GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code
Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) and so on. Such
wireless signals may represent audio, video, and data according to
text/multimedia message transmission and reception, among
others.
[0051] The wireless internet module 113 supports Internet access
for the mobile terminal 100. This module may be internally or
externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the
wireless Internet technology can include WLAN (Wireless LAN)
(Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability
for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access),
GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) etc.
[0052] Wireless internet access by Wibro, HSPDA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA,
LTE or the like is achieved via a mobile communication network. In
this aspect, the wireless internet module 113 configured to perform
the wireless internet access via the mobile communication network
can be understood as a sort of the mobile communication module
112.
[0053] The short-range communication module 114 facilitates
relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for
implementing this module include radio frequency identification
(RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as
well at the networking technologies commonly referred to as
Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few.
[0054] The position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise
obtains the location of the mobile terminal 100. If desired, this
module may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS)
module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 is
able to precisely calculate current 3-dimensional position
information based on at least one of longitude, latitude and
altitude and direction (or orientation) by calculating distance
information and precise time information from at least three
satellites and then applying triangulation to the calculated
information. Currently, location and time information are
calculated using three satellites, and errors of the calculated
location position and time information are then amended using
another satellite. Besides, the GPS module 115 is able to calculate
speed information by continuously calculating a real-time current
location.
[0055] configured to provide audio or video signal input to the
mobile terminal 100. As shown, the A/V input unit 120 includes a
camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and
processes image frames of still pictures or video, which are
obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing
mode. In addition, the processed image frames can be displayed on
the display 151 of the output unit 150.
[0056] The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored
in the memory 160 or can be externally transmitted via the wireless
communication unit 110. Optionally, at least two cameras 121 can be
provided to the mobile terminal 100 according to environment of
usage.
[0057] The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while
the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call
mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is
processed and converted into electric audio data. The processed
audio data is transformed into a format transmittable to a mobile
communication base station via the mobile communication module 112
in case of a call mode. The microphone 122 may include assorted
noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course
of receiving the external audio signal.
[0058] The user input unit 130 may generate input data responsive
to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices.
Examples of such devices include a button 136 provided to
front/rear/lateral side of the mobile terminal 100 and a touch
sensor (pressure sensitive touch/capacitive touch) 137 and may
further include a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch
and the like.
[0059] The sensing unit 140 may provide sensing signals for
controlling operations of the mobile terminal 100 using status
measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal 100. For
instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close status of
the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning of components (e.g.,
a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, a change of
position of the mobile terminal 100 or a component of the mobile
terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile
terminal 100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the
mobile terminal 100. By nonlimiting example, such a sensing unit
140 may include, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a
geomagnetic sensor and the like.
[0060] As an example, consider the mobile terminal 100 being
configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration,
the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the
mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include the
sensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided
by the power supply 190, the presence or absence of a coupling or
other connection between the interface unit 170 and an external
device. In addition, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity
sensor 141.
[0061] The output unit 150 may generate outputs relevant to the
senses of sight, hearing, touch and the like. The output unit 150
includes the display 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit
153, and a haptic module 154 and the like.
[0062] The display 151 may be implemented to visually display
(output) information associated with the mobile terminal 100. For
instance, if the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode,
the display may provide a user interface (UI) or graphical user
interface (GUI) which includes information associated with placing,
conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if
the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing
mode, the display 151 may additionally or alternatively display
images which are associated with these modes, the UI or the
GUI.
[0063] The display 151 may be implemented using known display
technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display
(LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an
organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and
a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal 100 may include
one or more of such displays.
[0064] Some of the above displays can be implemented in a
transparent or optical transmittable type, which can be named a
transparent display. As a representative example for the
transparent display, there is TOLED (transparent OLED) or the like.
A rear configuration of the display 151 can be implemented in the
optical transmittive type as well. In this configuration, a user is
able to see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area
occupied by the display 151 of the terminal body.
[0065] At least two displays 151 may be provided to the mobile
terminal 100 in accordance with the implemented configuration of
the mobile terminal 100. For instance, a plurality of displays can
be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal 100 in a manner
of being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body.
Alternatively, a plurality of displays can be arranged on different
faces of the mobile terminal 100.
[0066] In case that the display 151 and the touch sensor 137
configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called `touch
screen`), it is able to use the display 151 as an input device as
well as an output device. In this case, the touch sensor may be
configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad or the
like.
[0067] The touch sensor 137 can be configured to convert a pressure
applied to a specific portion of the display 151 or a variation of
a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display 151
to an electric input signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the
touch sensor 137 to detect a pressure of a touch as well as a
touched position or size.
[0068] If a touch input is made to the touch sensor 137, signal(s)
corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller.
The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers the
processed signal(s) to the controller 180. Therefore, the
controller 180 is able to know whether a prescribed portion of the
display 151 is touched.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a proximity sensor 141 can be
provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal 100 enclosed by
the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor 141
is the sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object
approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing
around the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength
or infrared ray without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity
sensor has durability longer than that of a contact type sensor and
also has utility wider than that of the contact type sensor.
[0070] The proximity sensor 141 can include one of a transmittive
photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a
mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a radio frequency
oscillation proximity sensor, an electrostatic capacity proximity
sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor
and the like. In case that the touchscreen includes the
electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configured to detect
the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field
according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the
touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity
sensor.
[0071] For clarity and convenience of the following description, as
a pointer becomes proximate to a touchscreen without coming into
contact with the touchscreen, if the pointer is perceived as
situated over the touchscreen, such an action shall be named
`proximity touch`. If a pointer actually comes into contact with a
touchscreen, such an action shall be named `contact touch`. A
proximity-touched position over the touchscreen with the pointer
may mean a position at which the pointer vertically opposes the
touchscreen when the touchscreen is proximity-touched with the
pointer.
[0072] The proximity sensor 141 detects a proximity touch and a
proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a
proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity
touch shift state, etc.). In addition, information corresponding to
the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity
touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.
[0073] The audio output module 152 functions in various modes
including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording
mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and the
like to output audio data which is received from the wireless
communication unit 110 or is stored in the memory 160. During
operation, the audio output module 152 outputs audio relating to a
particular function (e.g., call received, message received, etc.).
The audio output module 152 is often implemented using one or more
speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations
thereof.
[0074] The alarm unit 153 is output a signal for announcing the
occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile
terminal 100. Typical events include a call received event, a
message received event and a touch input received event. The alarm
unit 153 is able to output a signal for announcing the event
occurrence by way of vibration as well as video or audio signal.
The video or audio signal can be output via the display 151 or the
audio output unit 152. Hence, the display 151 or the audio output
module 152 can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit 153.
[0075] The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that
can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the
tactile effects generated by the haptic module 154. Strength and
pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 154 are
controllable. For instance, different vibrations can be output in a
manner of being synthesized together or can be output in
sequence.
[0076] The haptic module 154 is able to generate various tactile
effects as well as the vibration. For instance, the haptic module
154 generates the effect attributed to the arrangement of pins
vertically moving against a contact skin surface, the effect
attributed to the injection/suction power of air though an
injection/suction hole, the effect attributed to the skim over a
skin surface, the effect attributed to the contact with electrode,
the effect attributed to the electrostatic force, the effect
attributed to the representation of hold/cold sense using an
endothermic or exothermic device and the like.
[0077] The haptic module 154 can be implemented to enable a user to
sense the tactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or
the like as well as to transfer the tactile effect through a direct
contact. Optionally, at least two haptic modules 154 can be
provided to the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the
corresponding configuration type of the mobile terminal 100.
[0078] The memory unit 160 is generally used to store various types
of data to support the processing, control, and storage
requirements of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of such data
include program instructions for applications operating on the
mobile terminal 100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, audio,
still pictures (or photo), moving pictures, etc. In addition, a
recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data
(e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or each
multimedia) can be stored in the memory unit 160. Moreover, data
for various patterns of vibration and/or sound output in case of a
touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory unit
160.
[0079] The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or
combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage
devices including hard disk, random access memory (RAM), static
random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory
(ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk,
multimedia card micro type memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD
memory, XD memory, etc.), or other similar memory or data storage
device. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 is able to operate in
association with a web storage for performing a storage function of
the memory 160 on Internet.
[0080] The interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the
mobile terminal 100 with external devices. The interface unit 170
receives data from the external devices or is supplied with the
power and then transfers the data or power to the respective
elements of the mobile terminal 100 or enables data within the
mobile terminal 100 to be transferred to the external devices.
[0081] The interface unit 170 may be configured using a
wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a
wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for coupling
to a device having an identity module, audio input/output ports,
video input/output ports, an earphone port and/or the like.
[0082] The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of
information for authenticating a use authority of the mobile
terminal 100 and can include User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber
Identify Module (SIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)
and/or the like. A device having the identity module (hereinafter
called `identity device`) can be manufactured as a smart card.
Therefore, the identity device is connectable to the mobile
terminal 100 via the corresponding port.
[0083] When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external
cradle, the interface unit 170 becomes a passage for supplying the
mobile terminal 100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for
delivering various command signals input from the cradle by a user
to the mobile terminal 100. Each of the various command signals
input from the cradle or the power can operate as a signal enabling
the mobile terminal 100 to recognize that it is correctly loaded in
the cradle.
[0084] The controller 180 may control the overall operations of the
mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may performs
the control and processing associated with voice calls, data
communications, video calls, etc. The controller 180 may include a
multimedia module 181 that provides multimedia playback. The
multimedia module 181 may be configured as part of the controller
180, or implemented as a separate component.
[0085] Moreover, the controller 180 is able to perform a pattern
(or image) recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and
a picture drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as
characters or images, respectively.
[0086] The power supply unit 190 provides power required by the
various components for the mobile terminal 100. The power may be
internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.
[0087] A battery may include a built-in rechargeable battery and
may be detachably attached to the terminal body for a charging and
the like. A connecting port may be configured as one example of the
interface 170 via which an external charger for supplying a power
of a battery charging is electrically connected.
[0088] Next, FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of a mobile
terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] The mobile terminal 100 shown in the drawing has a bar type
terminal body. Yet, the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a
variety of different configurations. Examples of such
configurations include folder-type, slide-type, rotational-type,
swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, further
disclosure will primarily relate to a bar-type mobile terminal 100.
However such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile
terminals.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 includes a case
101, 102, 103 configuring an exterior thereof. In the present
embodiment, the case can be divided into a front case 101 and a
rear case 102. Various electric/electronic parts are loaded in a
space provided between the front and rear cases 101 and 102.
[0091] Occasionally, electronic components can be mounted on a
surface of the rear case 102. The electronic part mounted on the
surface of the rear case 102 may include such a detachable part
such as a battery, a USIM card, a memory card and the like. In
doing so, the rear case 102 may further include a backside cover
103 (see FIG. 3) configured to cover the surface of the rear case
102. In particular, the backside cover 103 has a detachable
configuration for the user's convenience. If the backside cover 103
is detached from the rear case 102, the surface of the rear case
102 is exposed.
[0092] If the backside cover 103 is attached to the rear case 102,
a lateral side of the rear case 102 may be exposed in part. If a
size of the backside cover 103 is decreased, a rear side of the
rear case 102 may be exposed in part.
[0093] The cases 101, 102 and 103 can be formed by injection
molding of synthetic resin or can be formed of metal substance such
as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like for
example.
[0094] A display 151, an audio output unit 152, a camera 121, user
input units 130/131 and 132, a microphone 122, an interface 170 and
the like can be provided to the case 101 or 102.
[0095] The display 151 occupies most of a main face of the front
case 101. The audio output unit 152 and the camera 121 are provided
to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display 151,
while the user input unit 131 and the microphone 122 are provided
to another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display
151. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 can be provided
to lateral sides of the front and rear cases 101 and 102.
[0096] The input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for
controlling an operation of the terminal 100. And, the input unit
130 is able to include a plurality of manipulating units 131 and
132. The manipulating units 131 and 132 can be named a manipulating
portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that
enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a
tactile feeling.
[0097] Content input by the first or second manipulating unit 131
or 132 can be diversely set. For instance, such a command as start,
end, scroll and the like is input to the first manipulating unit
131. In addition, a command for a volume adjustment of sound output
from the audio output unit 152 and the like can be input to the
second manipulating unit 132, a command for a switching to a touch
recognizing mode of the display 151 and the like can be input to
the third manipulating unit 133.
[0098] A button type is configured to recognize a pressure applied
by a user to each of the manipulation units 131, 132 and 133. If a
touch sensor is provided to each of the manipulation units 131, 132
and 133 in addition to the display 151, a user's command can be
inputted by a user's touch.
[0099] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of a display 151
and a front case 101 that are provided in the mobile terminal
according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a
sectional diagram of the display 151 coupled to the front case 101
of the mobile terminal according to one embodiment. Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown a window glass 109, a display 151, a
first film 200, a second adhesive material 250 and a front case
101.
[0100] The display unit according to this embodiment may be applied
to a linear bar type mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 2 or to a
mobile terminal 100 having a middle portion curvedly bent toward a
back surface. A front case 101 attached to a back surface of the
curvedly bent display 151 is curvedly bent in a shape corresponding
to the curved shape of the display 151.
[0101] As mentioned above, the display 151 is a device configured
to output images. A liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor,
an organic light emitting diode may be used as the display 151.
Recently, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) is used a lot
because it can output sharp and clear images, with a slim
appearance. The organic light emitting diode requires not back
light unit and self-luminescent such that it can realize the curved
display 151.
[0102] A touch sensor 137 may be provided in a front surface of the
display 151 and converts a user's touch into an electrical signal
to transmit the converted electrical signal to the controller
180.
[0103] The window glass 109 may be fabricated of transparent glass
or transparent plastic and it may be coupled to the front surface
of the display unit 150 to protect the display 151. The other edge
area except a displaying area positioned in a central portion of
the display 151 is printed to protect the non-displaying area.
[0104] The window glass 109 may provide a predetermined space where
an audio output unit 152, a camera 121, a user input unit 131 and
the like positioned in the front surface of the mobile terminal are
arranged as well as the display 151. Accordingly, the window glass
109 may be formed larger than the display 151. The audio output
unit 152, the camera 121 and the user input unit 131 may be above
and below the display 151, such that it may be formed larger than
the display 151 especially in a vertical direction.
[0105] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of the display 151
and the front case 101 provided in the mobile terminal according to
one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, there
are shown the window glass 109, the display 151, the first film
200, a second film 250, the front case 101 and the rear case
102.
[0106] The display 151 according to the embodiment may be coupled
to a surface of the front case 101 via the first film 200 and the
second film 250.
[0107] According to a conventional method for fixing a conventional
display unit 3, referring to FIG. 10 a window glass 2 is coupled to
a front case 1 in an edge area of a front surface of a display unit
3. A double-sided tape 5 is adhered to the edge area of the display
unit 3 to adhere the display unit 3 to a back surface of the window
glass 2. Such a conventional fixing structure requires that the
double-sided tape should have a predetermined size or more and a
predetermined thickness or more to for secure fixing of the display
unit 3.
[0108] However, in a recent design trend that the size of bezel
located around the display unit 3 is reduced more and more, the
width of the double-sized tape 5 has to be too decreased to secure
a sufficient adhesive strength.
[0109] In this embodiment different from the conventional method,
the back surface of the display 151 is adhered to secure a
sufficient adhesive strength and no double-sized tape has to be
used in a front edge area, such that the size of the bezel can be
reduced.
[0110] Here, when the display 151 is separated from the front case
for a repair in case a strong adhesive is disposed between the back
surface of the display 151 and the front case 101 directly, ends of
the display 151 might be bending because of the strong adhesion of
the double-sided tape and the display 151 might damaged
disadvantageously.
[0111] To solve such a disadvantage, only the second film having a
strong second adhesive material 252 coated thereon is not used in
the embodiment. The first film 200 having a first adhesive material
202 with a less strong adhesion coated thereon may be additionally
provided, such that a coupling structure configured to ease the
separation of the display 151 there from can be provided.
[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates a layer structure of the first film 200
according to one embodiment and the first film has a layer
structure similar to a structure of a liquid crystal protection
film.
[0113] Basically, a first adhesive material 202 is coated on one
surface of a base film 202 that is smooth. The base film 201 is
formed of one of polyethylene terephthalte, polyethelene and
polypropylene.
[0114] A coating layer 200' may be formed on the other opposite
surface where the first adhesive material 202 is not coated. A
primer layer 204 may be formed to enable the first adhesive
material 202 coated well before coating the first adhesive material
202 on one surface of the base film 201.
[0115] On the primer layer 204 may be coated the first adhesive
material 202 that is Silicon PSA such as trimethylated silica. A
release film 205 is coated on the first adhesive material 202 to
protect the first adhesive material 202. The release film 205 is
eliminated when the first film 200 is coupled to the display 151,
such that anti-static treatment may be enabled.
[0116] The first film 200 used in the embodiment has an adhesive
strength of 3 gf/in and more and 30 gh/in or less. That range is
changeable according to the size and weight of the mobile terminal
100 and the adhesive strength of the first adhesive material 252 is
smaller than that of a second adhesive material 225 formed on the
second film 250 which will be described later.
[0117] When attached to a smooth surface, the resistance of the
first film 200 having the first adhesive material 202 coated
thereon is larger by a horizontal direction force. Once attached to
a bonding surface, the first film 200 is difficult to separate by a
force applied along the bonding surface. However, the first film
200 is easily separated when one end thereof separated from the
bonding surface is held and pulled.
[0118] In other words, the first film can be easily separated by
the force focused on an end portion of each corner and it is no
need to apply an immoderate force when the display 151 is separated
from the front case 101. Also, there is no adhesive material on the
bonding surface after the first film 200 is separated and the
separated display 151 can be reused and the adhesive performance
can be maintained at high temperatures.
[0119] The back surface of the display 151 forms the smooth surface
for uniform reflection of lights. Accordingly, when using the first
film 200, the display 151 can be easily adhered or separated. When
the back surface of the display 151 is smooth, the first film 200
can be attached even to a curved display 151.
[0120] The second film 250 is adhered to the other side of the
first film 200 opposite to the side where the first adhesive
material 202 is coated, such that the second film 250 is coupled to
the front case 101.
[0121] FIG. 5 is a sectional diagram illustrating a mobile terminal
according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a front case 101, a rear
case 102, a main circuit board 185, a battery 191, a back cover
103, a window glass 109, a display panel 151, a first film 200 and
a second film 250.
[0122] Electronic components including the main circuit board 185
may be mounted in a predetermined space formed between the front
case 101 and the rear case 102. The battery 191 is loaded in a back
surface of the rear case 102. The back cover 103 is coupled to a
back surface of the rear case 102 to cover the battery 191. In case
the battery 191 is an embedded type, the back cover 103 can be
omitted.
[0123] The main circuit board 185 has various electronic components
mounted thereon and it is provided as the controller 180 configured
to control functions of the mobile terminal 100. The main circuit
board 185 is connected with the display 151, the audio output
module 152 and the camera 121, to transmit and receive a signal.
The information acquired by the electronic components including the
display 151, the audio output module 152 and the camera 121 may be
transmitted to the main circuit board 185 or signals may be
transmitted to the display 151 from the main circuit board 185,
such that the operations of the mobile terminal.
[0124] The first film 200 and the second film 250 are disposed
between the display 151 and the front case 101. According to this
embodiment, to form the second film 250, a second adhesive material
252 is coated on one surface of the base film 251 and a
double-sided tape having a third adhesive material 253 coated
thereon is attached on the other surface of the base film 251.
[0125] The adhesive strength of the second and third adhesive
materials 252 and 253 is larger than that of the first adhesive
material 202, such that the display 151 may be coupled to the front
case 101 stably. A double-sided type second film 250 may be used.
Alternatively, the second adhesive material 252 may be directly
coated on one surface of the front case 101 according to another
embodiment shown in FIG. 6. For explanation sake, the embodiment
using the second film will be described as follows. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto.
[0126] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state where the first
film 200 and the second film 250 are attached to the back surface
of the display 151. A back surface of the first film 200 has a
predetermined portion where the second film 250 is not attached, in
other words, a non-attaching end portion 206.
[0127] Such a non-attaching end 206 of the first film 200 is not
attached to the front case 101 and it may form a hole 101' located
in a predetermined position corresponding to a non-attaching end of
the front case 101. The non-attaching end 206 is exposed to the
back surface of the front case 101 via the hole 101' as shown in
FIG. 8.
[0128] A user can separate the display 151 from the first film 200
by holding the non-attaching end 206. As mentioned above, the first
film 200 can be separated even by the force applied to the corner
of the first film. Accordingly, the display 151 can be separated
from the front case 101, without damage to the display 151.
[0129] A projection 207 may be formed at the corner of the first
film 200 to allow the user to come off the non-attaching end 206
with the nail. An angular portion of the corner or projection could
hurt the finger or hand can hurt when the user tries to hold the
non-attaching end 206. Accordingly, the corner of the non-attaching
end 206 or the projection 207 can be rounded or cured as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0130] Especially, when the non-attaching end 206 is located in one
corner, the user hold the non-attaching end 206 with the fingers
and applies a force in a diagonal direction, only to separate the
first film 200 to separate the display 151 and the front case 101
easily.
[0131] To provide the non-attaching end 206 in the corner of the
first film 200, the corner 255 of he is cut away as shown in FIG. 4
and the non-attaching end 206 not attached to the front case 101
may be formed in the corner of the first film 200.
[0132] The first film 200 is a little smaller than the front case
101. Even though the hole is formed nearest to the corner in using
the corner of the first film 200 as the non-attaching end 206, the
non-attaching end 206 can be sided, not positioned in a central
portion of the hole. To locate the non-attaching end 206 in the
central portion of the hole, the corner of the first film 200 is
cut away in stepped shape and then the projection 207 is formed in
the step-shaped corner of the first film 200, such that the
non-attaching end 206 may be located in the center of the hole
101'.
[0133] FIG. 8 is a rear diagram of the front case 101 coupled to a
back surface of the display unit shown in FIG. 7. The hole 101' is
formed corresponding to the eliminated corner 255 of the second
film 250 and the second film 250 is not exposed via the hole
101'.
[0134] After the rear case 102 is separated from the front case
101, the non-attaching end 206 of the first film 200 exposed via
the hole 101' of the front case 101 may be held by the user as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0135] When the non-attaching end 206 is pulled in a diagonal
direction, the first film 200 is separated from the back surface of
the display 151. After that, the second film 250 and the first film
200 are located on the front case 101 and only the display 151 can
be separated there from as shown in FIG. 9.
[0136] Meanwhile, the other corner of the second film 250 may be
eliminated except the corner 255 eliminated to expose the
non-attaching end 206 to the first film 200. That is because
corners of the display 151 subject to an external shock might
damage easily, if the display 151 is attached to the front case 101
even to all corners.
[0137] In other words, the corner of the display 151 may not be
attached to the front case 101. When an external shock of colliding
the display 151 against the floor, a predetermined space can be
provided where the corners of the display 151 can move.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 4, a window tape 260 may be further
provided to attach the window glass 109 and the front case 101
exposed to upper and lower portions of the display 151 to each
other (see FIG. 3). The window tape 260 is not adhered to the
display unit directly. When separating the display 151 from the
front case 101, no force is applied to the display 151 and the
display 151 may not be damaged or broken.
[0139] The portion adhered by the window tape 260 is separated from
the front surface and the first film 200 exposed via the hole 101'
shown in FIG. 8 is separated from the back surface in a diagonal
direction, such that the display 151 and the front case 101 may be
separated from each other.
[0140] The front case 101 may further include a hole 101'' rather
than the hole 101' configured to expose the first film 200 outside.
The hole 101'' is configured to pass a flexible circuit board 151''
there through and the flexible circuit board 151 is configured to
transmit a signal of the display 151.
[0141] According to at least one embodiment described above, the
back surface of the display unit may be attached to the case, such
that the size of the bezel positioned in an edge portion can be
prevented from increasing.
[0142] Furthermore, the large area of the back surface of the
display unit may be attached to the front case and a predetermined
adhesive strength or more can be recurred. When separating the
display 151 from the front case, the user can apply a predetermined
force to the end of the first film and separate the display unit
easily. Accordingly, the damage to the display unit can be
prevented.
[0143] When a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that
it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones
of the embodiments.
[0144] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *